KR20230025774A - Support Apparatus and Method for Manufacturing Electrical Energy Storage Devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A support device (50) for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices comprises a support element (51) movable linearly along a feeding plane (FP), an actuator system configured to drive the support element (51) in an intermittent manner, A first roller (54) configured to rotate at a variable speed, and a second roller (55) opposite the first roller (54). A further actuator system is configured to compensate for the intermittent movement of the support element 51 by controlling the speed of the first roller 54 .

Description

Support Apparatus and Method for Manufacturing Electrical Energy Storage Devices

This patent application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102020000007840, filed on April 14, 2020, and Italian Patent Application No. 102020000007849, filed on April 14, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. is incorporated by reference in

The present invention relates to a support apparatus, machine and related method for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices.

In particular, the present invention finds a non-exclusive but advantageous application in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries, to which reference will be made explicitly in the description below without loss of generality.

The manufacture of rechargeable batteries generally involves the superposition of different layers of electrodes (anode and cathode—cathode and anode) spaced from one another by a separator layer designed to avoid possible short circuits and in particular to be impregnated with an electrolyte.

Recently, various winding arrangements for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices have been developed. In these devices, the electrodes and separator are usually wound around a rectangular, non-circular shaped core, so that the movement of incoming material is not constant and uniform, usually due to the lack of circularity of the core.

Various compensation systems have been proposed to make the movement of the material supplied to the winding devices more constant and uniform.

Document WO 2018146638 describes a device provided with crank means and designed to regulate the feeding and winding of a material band in a uniform manner.

The band of material to be wound typically comprises electrodes, the largest surface available so that during winding the electrodes can be correctly positioned in a stacked manner, ie the electrodes are aligned, especially with the end tabs. are arranged at predefined distances (in particular, gradual distances) so as to face each other along the .

In order to secure and preserve the positions of the electrodes during winding, i.e. to avoid misalignment of the electrodes to be stacked due to shocks occurring during winding, the electrodes and at least one continuous separator layer are integrated in the separator, thus ensuring stable adhesion. rolled to ensure

However, the rolling process weakens the separator (by compressing and heating the normally porous separator) and thus increases the possibility of short circuits due to the formation of metal (particularly lithium) dendrites, which pass through the separator to form Forming an electrical connection at the two electrodes creates a short circuit inside the battery.

Also, in known winding apparatuses, it is often necessary to increase the winding speed greatly, since the air flow generated can make good alignment of the transverse and longitudinal directions of the material to be wound difficult (for example, due to the elasticity of the separator). difficult.

Recently, manufacturers have tried to solve this problem by attempting to keep the material band feed rate substantially constant using winding arrangements that compensate both vertically and horizontally for the non-circular shape of the core. However, this solution does not allow the winding speed to be further increased, the formation of dendrites to be reduced, or the safety of the battery to be increased.

In addition, the known support methods for introducing material towards the winding device have a number of disadvantages, since the material is generally supported in a fixed manner until close to the device, so as not to interfere with the rotation of the winding device. This is because the previous rolling is used to suspend the material for the last few centimeters to preserve the position of the electrodes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a winding apparatus, machine and related method for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices which are designed to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and which are at the same time economical and easy to manufacture.

According to the present invention, a supporting apparatus, a machine and a method for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices as claimed in any one of the independent claims appended hereto and preferably any of the dependent claims directly or indirectly dependent on the independent claims are provided. Provided.

The appended claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention and form an integral part of the description.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings showing some non-limiting embodiments thereof.
1 is a perspective view of a first part of an automatic machine for the manufacture of storage devices comprising a first embodiment of a winding device and a holding device;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the winding device of Figure 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the winding device of Fig. 2;
4 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a winding device;
5 is a side view of a second part of an automatic machine comprising a pair of opposite winding devices;
Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of a different embodiment of the second machine part of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the support device of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the holding device of Fig. 7;
9 is a schematic front view of different winding and supporting steps of a method for manufacturing storage devices.
Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view of the steps of Fig. 9;

In Figure 1, numeral 1 denotes a winding arrangement for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices as a whole. In particular, the winding device 1 is configured to wind at least one material 2 having a planar shape (eg band, strip, sheet, film, etc.). More precisely, the device 1 is part of an automatic machine for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices, in particular designed to manufacture rechargeable batteries (eg lithium ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, etc.). 1 shows a first part of the automatic machine.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, as shown schematically in FIG. 1 , the material 2 is formed, in particular, at least one electrode E and/or at least one electrode separator S (as this is known further not described in detail above). More precisely, the material 2 comprises at least two electrode layers E and two separator layers S, each spaced apart.

In some non-limiting embodiments, material 2 comprises one or more continuous separator strips S having a plurality of (positive and/or negative) electrode blanks E arranged thereon (and/or between). include In particular, the material 2 comprises two continuous separator strips S between which a plurality of electrode blanks E having the same first (positive or negative) polarity are arranged. More precisely, in one of the (upper or lower) outer parts of the two separator layers S there are a plurality of electrode blanks E having the same second polarity opposite to the first (negative or positive) polarity.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the automatic machine described above follows a feeding plane (FP) (more precisely, along a conveying path (CP) (FIGS. 1, 3 and 7)). and a supply system (eg a system of a known type, not shown here) configured to supply (in particular at least partially constant speed) the material 2 to be wound. In particular, the supply means comprises an unwinding spool (for example, 2 spaced apart by electrode blanks) for each continuous layer (or discontinuous layer, if cut in process) included in the material (2). two unwind coils in case of two separators, or four unwind spools in case of two separator layers spaced by two successive electrode layers with opposite polarity), or also if intermediate elements are used, One unwind spool, e.g., halfcells (one electrode layer and one separator layer overlap), fullcells (two electrodes and one separator layer overlap), mono monocells (alternative superimposition of two electrodes and two separators), or bicells (alternative superimposition of three electrodes and two separators), or a combination thereof. include

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 , the winding apparatus 1 comprises a support 3 and an actuator device 4 .

Advantageously, although not necessarily, the support body 3 includes a series of variable shaft gears (not shown) therein. Different types of winding are thus permitted by changing the position of the axis of rotation of the gears.

Advantageously, the winding machine 1 also comprises an actuator device 4 , which in turn comprises an electric motor 5 (eg a brushless motor) and a motion transmission element 6 ( FIG. 2 and Figure 3). More precisely, the motion transmission element 6 is a transmission shaft.

According to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 1 , the device 1 comprises a (multi-component) material 2 forming a winding 8 comprising a plurality of electrodes E (stacked on top of each other), therewith It further includes a rectangular core 7 wound on the top. The core 7 is arranged rotationally on board (mechanically mounted) on the support 3 and is driven by an actuator device 4 (i.e. transmission element 6 ) is operated (configured to be operated) by the motor 5 through ).

Advantageously, but not necessarily, motion transmission element 6 is configured to transmit at least a portion of the motion of electric motor 5 to core 7 .

In some non-limiting cases, the core 7 consists of a flat (metal) pin. In particular, the rigid pin has a flat profile with particularly rounded edges to accompany the winding of the material 2 without damaging it due to sharp edges.

In other non-limiting cases, the core 7 is a strip, i.e. the amount of material 2 required to form a finished winding for example for the manufacture of a battery (i.e., along the conveying path CP) 1) of the unit including the electrode blank (E). Subsequent cells are wound around the first cell to form the finished winding 8 . In this way, there is no need for metal pins to be removed in the manufacturing process, an operation that usually entails the risk of damaging the final product.

Obviously, the core 7 can have any shape (polyhedral, elliptical, oval, polyhedral, layered, etc.) allowing winding to be performed.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises (at least) one retaining element 9, 9', which during winding

- at least the retaining elements 9, 9' retain at least a portion 10 of the material 2 (in particular the separator S - or the electrode E) in contact with the winding 8, and thus the material ( 2) between a portion 10 of the core 7 and a side surface 11 of the core 7 (one is shown at the top in FIG. 1 and the opposite surface 12 is shown at the bottom in FIG. 1 , these surfaces are interchangeable) a closed configuration that avoids relative movements of (eg, shown in the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 1-3); and

- an open configuration in which the retaining element 9 allows the material 2 to be wound on the surface 11 (or surface 12) of the core 7 (eg in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9). and steps b, c and d of FIG. 10).

In other words, during the closed configuration, the retaining element 9, 9' avoids unwanted movements of the electrodes E inside the winding 8 (especially if the electrodes E are not rolled onto the separator S). In the open configuration, the retaining elements 9, 9' are moved away from the winding 8 (in particular radially away from the axis of rotation A1), while in contact with and support the outer layer of the winding 8 ( ie configured to move away) to allow an additional layer of material 2 to be wound around the core 7 to complete the winding 8 .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, in a closed configuration, the retaining elements 9, 9' direct a portion 10 of the material towards the side surfaces 11, 12 of the core 7 (i.e., away from the core 7). towards) is configured to push.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7 , the winding device 1 also allows the support 3 to rotate about an axis of rotation A2 that is (different from and parallel to) the axis of rotation A1 in particular. and an actuator device 13 configured to do so. In particular, the support 3 is mechanically connected to the actuator device 13 .

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 5 , the actuator device 13 comprises an electric motor, in particular a torque motor (ie a motor with multiple poles, which does not require a reduction gear for transmission of motion). More precisely, the actuator device 13 is a torque motor with a through rotor (ie drilled left and right).

Advantageously, the transmission element 6 passes at least partially (in particular from side to side) through the rotor of the actuator device 13 . In this way, the motion of the actuator device 4 (ie of the motor 5 ) can be transmitted to the support 3 , in particular to the core 7 .

Advantageously, though not necessarily, the transmission element 6 and the rotor of the actuator device 13 are coaxial with each other, in particular concentric.

Advantageously, although not necessarily, the actuator device 4 and the second actuator device 13 are configured to move independently of each other. In particular, the automatic machine (or apparatus 1 ) comprises at least one control unit configured to control the actuator devices 4 , 13 independently of each other. More precisely, the control unit controls the actuator devices 4, 13 by means of electronic cams, for example based on the position of a virtual master axis.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 , support 3 is configured to rotate about axis A2 and core 7 is configured to rotate about axis A1 . In particular, axes A1 and A2 are not coaxial with each other. More specifically, axes A1 and A2 are parallel to each other. Specifically, axes A1 and A2 are perpendicular to the conveying path CP and parallel to the supply plane FP.

Advantageously, but not necessarily according to the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 , the support 3 is asymmetrical. More precisely, it has a larger volume for the support of the core 7, ie in the region of the axis of rotation A1.

In this way, the overall mass of the support 3 can be reduced. In particular, the support 3 comprises a counter-mass arranged in a position opposite the axis A1 to the axis A2. The counter-mass has the function of balancing the inertia of the support 7 and avoiding vibrations that would be caused by an asymmetric distribution of the mass (avoiding these vibrations obviously leads to a reduction in wear).

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the core 7 is mechanically coupled (mounted thereon, supported or held thereby) to the support 3 in such a way that it is capable of orbital winding motion. In particular, "orbital motion" indicates that the core 7 is configured to perform rotational motion and revolution motion. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 and 7 , the actuator device 13 moves the core 7 (and thus the support 3 ) about an axis A2, thus moving the axis A2. The rotational motion of the core 7 as the center is determined. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7 , the actuator device 4 moves the core 7 about an axis A1 and thus the rotation of the core 7 about this axis Decide on an exercise.

Thus, the orbital movement in which the core 7 moves includes rotation about axis A1 and rotation about axis A2, which are (always) parallel to each other in use.

Advantageously, though not necessarily, the apparatus 1 also includes an actuator device 15 configured to actuate the retaining element or elements 9, 9'.

In the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6 , the actuator device 15 comprises at least one mechanical cam 16 . In particular, the mechanical cam 16 comprises a motion profile (MP) (which is preferably closed and continuous) arranged along a plane transverse (substantially perpendicular) to the axis of rotation A1 (i.e., decide). More precisely, the mechanical cam 16 is transversely crossed by the axis of rotation A2, especially in the center. In the non-limiting embodiments of the attached figures, the mechanical cam 16 includes an inner profile 17 and an outer profile 18, which define a motion profile MP (inscribed in the mechanical cam itself). .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the actuator device 15 further comprises at least one cam follower 19 and a motion transmission system 20, wherein the motion transmission system 20 transmits the movement of the cam follower 19 ( more precisely radial displacement from the axis of rotation A1) to said one or more retaining elements 9, 9'. In use, the cam follower 19 slides in the space contained between the inner profile 17 and the outer profile 18, ie the cam follower 19 moves along the movement profile MP.

In some non-limiting cases not shown herein, to meet more adjustment needs, the actuator device 15 may include a plurality of profiles followed by at least one cam (including at least one respective cam follower). 16) in turn.

Advantageously, though not necessarily, the (radial) change in the motion profile MP determines the movement of each retaining element 9, 9'. In other words, the opening and closing of the retaining elements 9, 9' is determined by the deviation of the motion profile MP from a profile having a circular shape.

According to some embodiments not shown herein, actuator system 15 includes at least one motor and/or at least one pneumatic utility.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, according to the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. includes Motion transmission system 20 also includes transmission elements 22 configured to convert radial linear motion of cam follower 19 into rotational motion (e.g., those shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6). same rack and pinion system).

Advantageously, but not necessarily, according to the non-limiting embodiments of the accompanying drawings, the device 1 comprises two retaining elements 9, 9' arranged on opposite sides with respect to the core 7. include

In particular, the retaining element 9 faces the side 11 of the core 7 while the retaining element 9' faces the side 12 of the core 7.

In the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 6, elements having corresponding elements in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same numbers appended with 100 and 200, respectively. In other words, cam 16 is denoted 116 in the FIG. 4 embodiment and 216 in the FIG. 6 embodiment (according to other references). All observations made with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 apply also to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 6 with necessary modifications.

In some non-limiting cases, such as those shown in figures 1 to 3, the retaining elements 9, 9' are, more precisely, for each retaining element 9, 9' a mechanical cam and a cam follower. 19, 19' (Fig. 2) are configured to operate independently of each other by an actuator device 15. In particular, the cam followers 19 and 19' are arranged in use on opposite sides of the cam 16, that is, on the opposite sides of the rotary shaft A1. In these cases, each retaining element 9, 9' is moved by a respective cam follower 19, 19' via respective crank mechanisms 21 and respective transmission elements 22. .

In other non-limiting cases, such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the retaining elements 109 , 209 and 109 ′, 209 ′ are configured to be operated in an opposite manner, which is one of the retaining elements (eg , which means that the closed configuration of element 9 is configured to correspond to the open configuration of the opposite retaining element (eg element 9') and vice versa. In particular, elements 109, 209 and 109', 209' are more precisely mechanical cams 116, 216, and one single cam for both retaining elements 109, 209 or 109', 209'. It may be actuated by an actuator device 115, 215 comprising a follower 119, 219 (FIG. 4 or 6). In particular, each device 1 comprises one single transmission element 131 , 222 provided with two racks and two pinions arranged on opposite sides relative to axis A1 (as a replacement for elements 22 ). ) include. In these cases, each pair of retaining elements 109 and 109' or 209 and 209' is coupled to a respective cam via respective kinematic mechanisms 121 and/or respective transmission elements 131 and 222. Moved by followers 119, 219'.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, according to the non-limiting embodiments of the accompanying drawings, each retaining element 9, 9' includes at least one distal element 23, 23'.

In the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 , each distal element 23 , 23 ′ is an arm (arranged at least in an end portion of the distal element 23 , 23 ′, ie in the region of the winding 8 ). arm) (24, 24') and contact components (25, 25') in turn. Each contact component 25, 25' directs a portion 10 of the material 2 towards the core 7 (in particular, the side 11 or 12) in the closed configuration of the retaining element 9, 9'. towards) is configured to push. In particular, the contact component 25 , 25 ′ is a roller 26 ( FIG. 1 ) configured to roll over a portion 10 of the material 2 corresponding to the outer portion of the winding 8 . In this way, a particularly fragile or thin material 2 is prevented from being damaged due to pressure with a high degree of friction during contact. More specifically, the retaining elements 9, 9' at least partially regulate the pressure with which the contacting elements 25, 25' push against the portion 10 of the material and/or the winding due to the winding of the material 2 ( and an elastic device 27 (eg, a spring) configured to compensate for the increase in thickness of 8).

In some non-limiting cases, such as that shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4 , each retaining element 109 , 109 ′ is in particular a plurality of distal elements 123 , 123 configured to be moved simultaneously by the actuator device 15 . '). In other non-limiting cases not shown here, the distal elements belonging to the same retaining element form the outer layer of the winding 8, in particular when the material 2 wraps the core 7. They are configured to be moved in different ways at the right time relative to each other to gradually hold the material 2 .

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the wrapping device 1 comprises a gripping device 29 configured to grip the core 7 during winding and to release it when winding 8 is completed. In particular, according to the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 , the gripping device 29 has a small dimension, preferably, but not necessarily, a decreasing dimension (more precisely less than 5 millimeters, in particular less than 1 millimeter). and gripping elements 30 having an end (opposite the support 3 ) having a . In this way, the gripping elements 30 can be easily extracted from the finished winding 8 .

Obviously, the gripping elements can take different forms and can have discontinuities, for example as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 , to reduce friction in the release of the core 7 once the winding 8 is complete.

Advantageously, though not necessarily, the device 1 comprises a suitable actuator system, in particular a pneumatic utility, for moving the gripping elements. More precisely, the gripping elements 30 are moved vertically (ie perpendicular to the supply plane FP) to be opened and closed according to the steps of the winding process. More precisely, the elements 20 are spaced apart from each other, i.e. open, at the stage of product supply, i.e. upon completion of the winding 8, to release the finished winding 8 and to form a new core 7 (e.g., FIG. While receiving the first cell of the strip as shown in 6, it is closed from the beginning to the end of the actual winding step (during which the core 7 rotates).

The non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 5 shows a second part of an automatic machine for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the part comprises a pair of opposite winding devices 1 .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the material 2 is mirrored and relative to each other for guiding the core 7 from both sides (in particular for gripping with the gripping elements), especially if it is the first cell of the strip. It is wound by means of two devices 1 arranged in the same way.

Advantageously, though not necessarily, the devices each include a frame 32 supporting a respective actuator device 13 (ie torque motor 14).

Advantageously, but not necessarily according to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 5 , the device 1 (each or in pairs with an opposing device) has at least, in particular, the supply plane FP (and the conveying path CP) and an actuator device 33 configured to move the frame 32 along a vertical direction (VD) that is transverse (perpendicular) with respect to . In this way, the accumulation of material 2 wound around the core 7 can be compensated for during winding. In other words, during winding, the thickness of the winding 8 continuously increases (in particular by the thickness of the material 2 ) with each half turn of the core 7 , so that the actuator device 22 acts on the incoming material ( 2) to the supply plane FP (in particular, by maintaining the entry point EP on the supply plane FP) to compensate for this increase. More precisely, the actuator device 33 comprises a lifting system 35 (eg a rack and pinion system) configured to move the frame 32 in the vertical direction VD.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, according to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 5 , the device 1 is (individually or in pair with an opposing device) in particular perpendicular to the conveying path CP and substantially substantially in the supply plane FP. and an actuator device 36 configured to move the frame 32 along at least a transverse direction (TD) parallel to . For example, the actuator device 36 includes an electric motor M and a worm screw that converts rotational motion of the motor M into linear motion. In this way, the gripping elements can be extracted once the winding 8 is complete, thus also allowing the device 1 to be adapted to changes in the width of the format to be produced.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, according to the non-limiting embodiment of Figs. shown in detail).

According to the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 1 , 7 and 8 , the holding device 50 is provided along the conveying path CP along which the material 2 (to be wound) is supplied (in particular at a constant speed) (i.e. , along the supply plane FP) and configured to support the material 2 in a continuous manner by moving in an intermittent manner along a predefined stroke ST ( FIG. 10 ). (51).

Advantageously, although not necessarily, the support device 50 further comprises an actuator device 52 comprising in particular an electric motor 53 , for example a brushless motor. In particular, in the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 , the electric motor 53 is arranged (mounted) onboard to the support element 51 .

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 , a support device 50 is mounted onboard the support element 51 and is rotated at a variable speed by an actuator system 52 (ie, an electric motor 53). It includes a roller 54 configured to be.

Apparatus 50 opposes roller 54 and opposes conveying path CP (and feed plane FP) to allow material 2 to pass between rollers 54 and 55. It further includes a roller 55 arranged on the side.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the actuator system 52 (i.e., the electric motor 53) is configured to at least change the speed of the roller 54 to compensate for the intermittent movement of the support element 51, and the roller It substantially preserves the (pure) rolling state between 54 and the material 2, in other words, avoids slipping between the roller 54 and the material 2.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the support device 50 further comprises an actuator device 56 configured to operate the support element 51 in an intermittent manner along a predefined stroke ST.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7 , the actuator system 56 includes a linear electric motor 57 configured to move the support element along a predefined stroke ST.

According to other non-limiting embodiments not shown herein, actuator system 56 includes hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, electro-hydraulic cylinders, worm screws or other linear movement systems.

Advantageously, though not necessarily, roller 54 and roller 55 are arranged vertically on top of each other.

In particular, roller 54 and roller 55 are in a distal position protruding from the remainder of support device 50 . In this way, the material can be supported close to the core 7 even during winding (while the core 7 is rotating).

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 , the support device 50 also includes a roller 58 and a roller 59 opposite the roller 58 . In particular, roller 54 and roller 58 are connected to each other by means of a (rectangular) motion transmission element 60, in particular a belt or chain. More specifically, roller 55 and roller 59 are connected to each other by means of a (rectangular) motion transmission element 61, in particular a belt or chain.

In some non-limiting cases, roller 54 and roller 55 are configured to move at the same speed when coupled by a motion transmission system. In particular, roller 54 and roller 55 move in opposite directions to allow material to slide between them without snagging and with minimal friction.

In other non-limiting cases, such as that shown in FIG. 8 , the roller 55 , ie the roller arranged on the side of the material 2 whose outer layer comprises a continuous separator, is an idler roller.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, rollers 54 and 55 (like rollers 58 and 59) are of the same size, particularly less than 20 mm, more precisely less than 15 mm, more particularly 8 mm. It has a size less than mm. In this way, the holding device has time to come close to the rotating core 7 and retract every half turn of said core, in particular continuing to support the material 2 to be wound.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 8 , the support device 50 includes an additional pair of rollers 58', 59' connected to rollers 58, 59 in particular.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, all rollers 54, 55, 58, 59, 58' and 59' are the same size. In this way, they can be readily connected via motion transmission elements 60, 61, 60', 61', such as chains and belts, for example. Rollers 54, 55, 58, 59, 58' and 59' act as motion transmission elements 60, 61, 60', and 61' on pulleys 62 (particularly toothed pulleys). , which are configured to ensure simultaneous movement of the rollers or all rollers arranged on the same side of the material 2 . In particular, bushings 62 fit into the central axes of rollers 54, 55, 58, 59, 58', and 59'.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 8 , the support device comprises a motion transmission element 63 (eg a belt) of an actuator system 52 - i.e. a roller 58 (roller 59) from an electric motor 53. opposite) to -, which is arranged in the retracted position of the support device 50 relative to the roller 54 arranged in the distal position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing electrical energy storage devices using the winding apparatus 1 as described above and/or the support apparatus 50 as described above.

In some non-limiting cases, the method includes a feeding step during which the feeding system as disclosed above feeds material 2 towards winding device 1 .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the method includes a winding step, during which step the (multi-component) material 2 is used to form a winding 8 comprising a plurality of electrodes E stacked on top of one another. is wound on the core 7 in a rectangular shape.

In particular, the method comprises a closing step, during which at least one retaining element (9, 9') is in a closed configuration and at least a portion (10) of the material (2) is kept in contact with the remaining winding (8). and thus avoiding relative movements between the part 10 of the material and the side 11 or 12 of the core 7. More precisely, the method also comprises an opening step, during which the retaining elements 9, 9' are in an open configuration and the material 2 is wound on the first side 11 or 12 of the core 7. make it possible

Advantageously, though not necessarily, the closing and opening phases are at least partially simultaneous with the winding phase. In particular, the closing step compensates for the fact that the electrodes E are not integral with the separator S, since the material 2 has not been previously rolled. More precisely, during the closing phase, the elements 9, 9' support the material 2 that has just entered the winding 8 and prevent the electrode placed thereon from moving in an undesirable manner.

The non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 shows the sequence of positions a to e taken by winding device 1 and support device 50 during a half turn of core 7 . In particular, during this half rotation of the core, an amount of material 2 equal to the width of the winding 8 along the conveying path CP when the winding 8 is in a position parallel to the supply plane FP is transferred to the core ( 7) is wound around.

Advantageously, though not necessarily, during the entire rotation of the core 7 about the axis A1, both the opening and closing steps are performed at least partially (in particular completely). In particular, according to the sequences of FIGS. 9 and 10 , during half rotation of the core 7 about the axis A1 , both the opening and closing steps are performed at least partially (in particular completely).

Advantageously, though not necessarily, during the feeding phase, the feeding system feeds the material 2 along the feeding plane FP, in particular at a velocity VM.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the method further comprises a supporting step comprising, in turn, an accompanying sub-step AS, during which the second speed VS. A support device 50 moved by an actuator system 56 supports the material along the feed plane FP until it approaches the core 7 . In particular in this case, the term "near" means that the distance between the support device 50 (in particular the roller 54) and the core 7 is less than 80 mm, more precisely less than 50 mm, more specifically less than 20 mm. means less than mm.

Advantageously, though not necessarily, the distance between the support device 50 (in particular the roller 54) and the core 7 is variable, in particular by the angular position of the core 7.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the supporting step also includes a return sub-step RS, during which the supporting device 50 retracts (along the conveying path CP) and collides with the rotating core 7 avoid More precisely, the support device 50 is a (linear) motor 57 supporting each (mono-, half-, full-, bi-) cell comprising each electrode E or several electrodes E ) in an intermittent manner.

In particular, the distal end of the support device 50 comprising rollers 54, 55 is moved in and out of the working space of the core 7 supporting the electrodes to be introduced into the winding so that the material 2 (in particular the separator (for S)) maintain their relative positions. The term "working space" denotes the set of points (eg volume) that an object, in this case the core 7, occupies during the motions it performs (eg the orbital movement described above). In other words, "work space" is the volume of space in which an object works.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, roller 54 (along with rollers 58, 58' by transmission elements 60, 60') is driven by actuator system 52 to move at speed VR. It is operated (ie by the electric motor 53).

According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, velocity VS and velocity VR are (at least partially) variable, while in particular velocity VM is (at least partially) constant. More precisely, the speed VR of the roller 54 and the rollers connected thereto varies between the entrainment sub-step AS and the return sub-step RS. According to some non-limiting embodiments, this change includes a change in direction.

According to some preferred but non-limiting embodiments, the speed VR at which the roller 54 (and the rollers connected thereto) is controlled by the actuator system 52 is the speed of the support device 50 along the transport path CP. Corresponds to the difference between the velocity (VS) and the velocity (VM) of the material (2). In particular, according to this embodiment, the speed VR of the roller 54 is the tangential speed of the roller 54, i.e., the angular velocity w of the roller 54 multiplied by the radius R of the roller 54. .

More precisely, the rate can be expressed as Equation 1 below:

이다.From here,

am.

In this way, the intermittent movement of the support device 50 along the conveying path keeps the rollers 54, 55 (and the rollers connected thereto) in contact with the material 2 without damaging the material 2 itself. It is possible to compensate for In other words, for an inertial reference system, the tangential velocity VR of roller 54 is always substantially equal to the velocity VM of material 2 . In this way, it is possible to preserve a substantially pure rolling state, in particular between the material and the roller 54 coming into contact with the electrodes E. Thus, the risk of the roller 54 slipping on the material 2 and damaging it, for example causing grooves in the coating of the electrodes E (usually comprising compacted powder), is avoided. do.

In some non-limiting cases, during at least part of the entrainment sub-phase AS, the roller 54 and the rollers connected thereto are stationary. In particular, considering the equations described above, this occurs when the support device 50 and the material 2 have the same velocity.

Advantageously, but not necessarily according to FIGS. 9 and 10 , the winding step comprises a first sub-step (shown in the sequence of steps a, b and c in FIGS. 9 and 10 ), which During the step the core 7 is moved from a horizontal position parallel to the supply plane FP (step a) to a vertical position in particular substantially perpendicular to the supply plane FP (step c).

In particular, the winding step comprises a second sub-step (shown in steps c, d and e in Figs. 9 and 10), during which the core 7 is moved from the vertical position (step c) in particular. It is moved to a horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the feed plane FP (step e). More precisely, the first and second stages are divided into two half turns of the core 7 during the winding stage.

In some non-limiting cases, the accompanying step (AS) is at least partially, in particular entirely concurrent with the first sub-step. In this way, the holding device 50 supports the material 2 to hold the electrodes E in place despite movement of the entry point EP where the material enters the winding 8 .

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the return phase RS is at least partially, in particular fully concurrent, with the second sub-phase. In this way, the holding device 50 supports the material 2 holding the electrodes E in place for as long as possible before moving back, avoiding potential contact that would risk damaging the winding 8 .

In particular, during at least part of the winding phase, the holding device is in a position on the supply plane where it risks hitting the core 7 .

Advantageously, but not necessarily according to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 10 , the retaining elements 9 , 9 ′ during the opening phase, as clearly shown in steps b, c and d of FIG. 10 . Move away from the winding 8 to avoid hitting the support device 50 .

Advantageously, but not necessarily according to the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 , a complete period of rotational motion (i.e., a complete rotation of core 7 about axis A1) is a rotational Corresponds to two half cycles of motion (ie complete rotation of support 3 about axis A2). In this way, the entry point EP of the material 2 around the core 7 can be maintained at a constant height, namely the supply plane FP, as shown in FIG. 9 .

In particular, a complete cycle of rotational movement of the core corresponds to two entrainment phases and two return phases.

Advantageously, though not necessarily, a control (of a known type and not shown here) is configured to control the winding device 1 and the holding device 50 in a combined manner. In this way, the material 2 can be supported during the maximum part of the process of placing the electrodes E on the separator S during winding (thus avoiding positions other than the desired positions), then the electrode E ) are generally held steady in the separator due to the tension with which the material is wound around the core 7 to form the winding 8.

In particular, the method relates to winding of at least one electrode and/or at least one separator. More precisely, the method relates to the winding of two electrode layers (or series of cells) with different polarity (anode and cathode) separated by two separator layers.

Advantageously, but not necessarily, the closing phase of the retaining element 9, 9', which is passed through by the electrode E introduced into the winding 8, is at least partially different from the accompanying phase AS, which is passed through by the electrode E itself. It is simultaneous. In other words, according to step (e) of FIG. 9 , the (lower) retaining element 9′ is basically while (or before) the electrode E is fully released by the holding device 50, ie, While (or before) the rollers 54, 55 of the distal part are closed, i.e. come into contact with the winding 8.

In use, the material 2 is supplied to the device 1 in the form of a band, which is divided into strips of a desired length configured to be wound around a core 7 . In particular, the core 7 rotates about the axis A1 and about the axis A2 to achieve the aforementioned orbital motion. During the orbital movement generated by the actuator devices 4, 13, the material 2 is preferably pulled at a constant speed and tension at the entry point EP. In particular, each half rotation of the core about the axis A1 is the entire rotation of the support 9 about the axis A2, so that the entry point EP can remain on the feed plane FP. respond to rotation.

During these rotations, the actuator device 33 moves the frame 3 along the direction VD, in particular by a distance equal to the thickness of the material 2 per half rotation of the core 7 . When winding is complete, i.e. after a given number of half turns of the core 7, the actuator devices 4, 13 are stopped, the material 2 is cut, and the winding 8 is preferably wrapped with adhesive tape or It is closed by means of adhesive and conveyed (in particular after opening the gripping elements and releasing the winding 8 ) to a known ejection device not shown here.

During the aforementioned rotations, the support device 50 operates in a cooperative manner with the winding device 1 and moves in an intermittent manner to support each electrode E entering the winding 8 so that said electrode ( Avoid undesirable movements of E). In particular, support device 50 attempts to keep the distance between roller 54 and core 7 at a constant value, or at any rate less than 25 mm. At the same time, the actuator system 52 prevents the roller 54 and the rollers 58 and 58' connected thereto from damaging the electrodes E or the material 2 due to relative sliding, and the stroke ST change the velocity (VR) to compensate for the intermittent movement of the support element along the

Even if the invention described above makes particular reference to examples of precise applications, it should not be considered limited to these applications, since its scope of protection may also include, for example, other geometries or configurations of the core 7 . , other types of actuator devices (4 and 13, 15, 33, 52, 56) or other types of transmission elements, other types of retaining elements, etc., all variations, modifications or Because it involves simplification.

The devices, machines and methods described above have many advantages.

First, it allows the material to be wound (whether single-layer or multi-layer material) to be supplied in a regular and uniform manner, despite the non-circular shape of the winding core, which is a problem that usually occurs in devices with flat cores. reduce vibration.

In addition, they allow winding of the unrolled material 2 supporting the electrodes during introduction into the winding device 1 and also during the actual winding by means of the retaining elements 9 , 9 ′.

Also, the change in speed VR described above allows the material 2 to be protected so that the rollers of the support device do not scrape against the material, in particular the electrodes E.

Another advantage of the present invention resides in the fact that even for rolled materials the process is enhanced allowing greater control over the material during winding.

Finally, the presence of the distal part and the type of movement of the opening and closing of the retaining elements and the intermittent movement of the support device avoid a collision between the two devices 1, 50, and the devices 1, 50 share the It occupies the workspace in an alternating manner.

Non-limiting embodiment 1 relates to a winding apparatus (1) for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices, comprising: a support (3); a first actuator device 4; and a rectangular core 7 for winding a material 2 forming a winding 8 including a plurality of electrodes E, the core 7 being rotated on the support 3 arranged in such a manner and configured to rotate by means of the first actuator device 4 about the first axis of rotation A1;

The device is characterized in that it comprises at least one retaining element (9, 9') configured to assume the following configuration during part of the winding:

- at least a closed configuration, wherein the retaining elements 9 , 9 ′ hold at least a portion 10 of the material 2 in contact with the winding 8 so that the portion 10 of the material 2 and the core 7 avoid relative movements between the first side (11, 12) of the; and

- open configuration, where the retaining elements 9, 9' allow the material 2 to be wound onto the first side 11, 12 of the core 7;

In Example 2 according to Example 1, in the closed configuration, the retaining elements 9, 9' are configured to push the portion 10 of the material 2 towards the sides 11, 12 of the core 7. do.

In embodiment 3 according to any one of the above embodiments, the support is configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation A2, in particular parallel to the first axis of rotation A1, wherein the second actuator device 13 is configured to rotate. ).

In embodiment 4 according to any one of the above embodiments, comprising at least one third actuator device 15 configured to actuate said at least one retaining element 9, 9'.

In embodiment 5 according to claim 4 , the third actuator device 15 comprises at least one mechanical cam 16 , in particular the movement profile MP arranged along a plane transverse to the first axis of rotation A1 . ), wherein the third actuator device 15 transmits at least one cam follower 19 and motion of the cam follower 19 at least partially to said retaining element 9, 9'. The system further includes

Example 6 according to any one of the above embodiments, comprising at least a first retaining element (9, 9') and a second retaining element (9, 9'), wherein the first retaining element (9, 9') and the second retaining elements 9, 9' oppose each other with respect to the core 7.

In embodiment 7 according to embodiment 6, the first retaining element 9, 9' and the second retaining element 9, 9' are in particular a mechanical cam for each retaining element 9, 9' ( 16) and a third actuator device 15 comprising a cam follower 19 to operate independently of each other.

In embodiment 8 according to embodiment 6, the first retaining element 9, 9' and the second retaining element 9, 9' are configured to be operated in an opposite manner, i.e., the retaining elements 9, 9' ) is configured to correspond to the open configuration of the opposing retaining elements 9, 9'.

In Example 9 according to any one of the above embodiments, each retaining element 9, 9' includes at least one distal element 23, the at least one distal element 23 comprising a winding In the region of (8) it comprises in turn a contact component (25, 25') arranged at the end part of the distal element (23) and towards the core (7) in a closed configuration of the retaining element (9, 9'). configured to push the portion 10 of the material 2; In particular, the contact element is a roller 26 configured to be rolled on a portion 10 of the material 2 corresponding to the outer portion of the winding 8, and in particular the retaining elements 9, 9' are contact elements ( 25 , 25 ′ further comprises an elastic device 27 configured to at least partially adjust the pressure pushing on the portion 10 of the material 2 .

Example 10 according to example 9, wherein each retaining element 9 , 9 ′ is a plurality of distal elements configured to be moved simultaneously or in different ways in time relative to one another, in particular by the third actuator device 15 . include them

In a non-limiting embodiment 11, a machine for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices is provided, the machine according to embodiments 1 to 10, the material to be wound 2 along a conveying path CP. a supply system configured to supply; and a support device 50, which is linearly movable along the conveying path CP along which the material to be wound 2 is supplied and in an intermittent manner along a predefined stroke ST. a support element 51 configured to move to; electric motor 53; a first roller (54) mounted on the support element (51) and configured to rotate at a variable speed by a first electric motor; It includes a second roller 55, the second roller 55 is opposite to the first roller 54 and is disposed on the opposite side with respect to the conveying path CP so that the material 2 passes through the first and second rollers ( 55) move between; The electric motor 53 changes the speed of at least the first roller 54 to compensate for the intermittent movement of the support element 51 and to at least partially avoid slippage between the first roller 54 and the material 2 . is configured to

In a non-limiting embodiment 12, a method of manufacturing electrical energy storage devices is provided, wherein a material (2) is wound (8) on a core (7) having a rectangular shape to form a plurality of electrodes (E). a winding step of forming a winding 8 comprising; The retaining elements 9, 9' are in a closed configuration and hold at least a portion 10 of the material 2 in contact with the remainder of the winding 8, thus retaining the portion 10 of the material 2 and a closing step avoiding relative movements between the first side (11, 12) of the core (7); It comprises an opening step in which the retaining elements 9, 9' are in an open configuration and the material 2 can be wound on the first side 11, 12 of the core 7.

In embodiment 13 according to claim 12, the closing and opening steps are at least partly simultaneous with the winding step, in particular the closing step compensates for the fact that the material 2 has not been previously rolled.

In Example 14 according to Example 12 or 13, during the entire rotation of the core 7, both the opening step and the closing step are performed at least partially; In particular, during the opening phase, the retaining elements 9, 9' are moved away from the winding 8 to avoid interference with the holding device 50.

Example 15 according to any one of examples 12 to 14, comprising a feeding step during which at least one feeding system supplies the material 2 .

In Example 16 according to any one of Examples 12 to 15, entrainment step (AS) - during this step the support device 50 supplies the material 2 until it approaches the core 7 supported along the plane (FP); and a return step (RS) - the support device 50 is pulled back to avoid collision with the rotating core 7 .

Claims (15)

As a support device (1) for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices,
capable of moving linearly along a feeding plane (FP) along which the material (2) is fed, and moving in an intermittent manner along a predefined stroke to support the material (2) in a continuous manner. configured support element 51;
a first actuator system 52;
a second actuator system (56) configured to drive the support element (51) along the predefined stroke (ST) in an intermittent manner;
a first roller (54) mounted on board the support element (51) and configured to be driven to rotate at a variable speed by the first actuator system (52); and
It includes a second roller 55,
The second roller 55 opposes the first roller 54 and is disposed on the opposite side with respect to the feeding plane FP so that the material 2 moves between the first and second rollers 55 do;
The first actuator system 52 controls the speed of at least the first roller 54 to compensate for the intermittent movement of the support element 51 and to compensate for the intermittent movement between the first roller 54 and the material 2 . A supporting device (1) configured to substantially preserve the rolling state of the.
2. The method according to claim 1, comprising at least a third roller (58) and a fourth roller (59) opposite the third roller, wherein the first roller (54) and the third roller (58) have a first rectangular shape. The second roller 55 and the fourth roller 59 are connected to each other by a motion transmission element 60, in particular a belt or chain, and the second roller 55 and the fourth roller 59 are connected to each other by a second rectangular motion transmission element 61, in particular a belt or chain. Connected, the support device (1).
3. Support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second actuator system (56) is a linear electric motor (57) configured to move the support element (51) along the predefined stroke (ST). (One).
4. Support device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first actuator system (52) is an electric motor, in particular a brushless motor, arranged on the support element (51).
5. The support device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first roller (54) and the second roller (55) are configured to move at the same speed as they are connected by a motion transmission system. ).
5. The support device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second roller (55) is an idler roller.
7. Support device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first roller (54) and the second roller (55) are of the same size, in particular less than 20 mm.
Machine for the manufacture of energy storage devices, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in particular a supply system configured to supply material (2) to be wound at a constant speed along a supply plane (FP), and It comprises a winding device (1), wherein the winding device (1),
support (3);
a third actuator device; and
comprising a core 7 of rectangular shape for winding a material 2 forming a winding 8 comprising a plurality of electrodes E;
the core 7 is rotationally arranged on the support and is rotated about a first axis of rotation A1 by means of the third actuator device;
The device comprises at least one retaining element 9, 9', said at least one retaining element 9, 9' comprising, during a portion of the winding,
At least, the retaining elements 9, 9' retain at least a portion 10 of the material 2 in contact with the winding 8 so that the portion 10 of the material 2 and the first portion of the core 7 closed configuration avoiding relative movements between one side (11, 12); and
The machine, wherein the retaining elements (9, 9') are configured to assume an open configuration allowing the material (2) to be wound on the first side (11, 12) of the core (7).
A method for the manufacture of electrical energy storage devices comprising:
a feeding step in which the feeding system supplies the material 2 at a first rate along the feeding plane FP;
In turn, at least, the support device 50 is moved by the first actuator system 52 at a second speed and moves the material 2 along the feed plane FP until it is close to the core 7 . a supportive accompanying sub-step (AS); and
a return sub-step RS in which the support device 50 retracts to avoid collision with the rotating core 7;
The support device 50 includes at least a first roller 54 and a second roller 55, the first roller 54 and the second roller 55 are opposed to each other and between them the material ( 2) How to move.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said first roller (54) is driven at a third speed by a second actuator system (56); the second speed and the third speed are at least partially variable; In particular, the first rate is substantially constant.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the third speed is changed from the entrainment sub-phase to the return sub-phase (RS).
12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the third speed at which the first roller (54) is driven is equal to the first speed at which the material (2) is fed along the feed plane (FP). corresponding to a difference from a second speed of the support device ( 50 ) along the feed plane (FP).
13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising a winding step, during which the material (2) is wound (8) on a core (7) having a rectangular shape to form a plurality of electrodes (E). ), forming a winding (8) comprising
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the winding phase is performed in a first sub-phase - during the first sub-phase the core (7) is moved from a horizontal position parallel to the supply plane (FP), in particular substantially in relation to the supply plane (FP). moved to a vertical position that is vertical -; and a second sub-step, during which the core (7) is moved from the vertical position to the horizontal position.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the accompanying sub-step (AS) is carried out at least partially, in particular entirely concurrently with the first sub-step; wherein the return sub-step (RS) is carried out at least partially, in particular entirely concurrently, with the second sub-step.

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